In this in-depth Tuft & Needle vs Nectar mattress comparison, you'll learn how two of the most popular and highest-rated foam mattresses sold online compare.
Nectar is an affordable gel memory foam mattress notable for its 365-night trial period and forever warranty.
Tuft & Needle is an affordable 2-layer mattress that starts at less than $400. It comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial period.
But how do these two mattresses differ in terms of sleeping experience, support & comfort level?
Keep reading this page to find out!
What’s In This Mattress Comparison
Table of Contents
- What’s In This Mattress Comparison
- Nectar vs Tuft & Needle: Which One Should You Buy?
- How Do Nectar and Tuft & Needle Mattresses Compare?
- Construction
- Comfort and Firmness
- Sleeping Experience
- Warranty and Returns
- Shipping and Delivery
- Foundation and Frame
- Care and Cleaning
- Where To Get The Best Deal
- More Nectar Mattress Comparisons:
In this 10-minute read, I will compare and contrast Nectar and Tuft and Needle on several features including construction, comfort level, sleeping experience, warranties and more.
If you are in a hurry, you can use this table of contents to see how specific features differ.
If you are looking for a different kind of mattress – perhaps a latex or an innerspring instead of foam – then check out my comprehensive list of the best mattresses sold online today.
Nectar vs Tuft & Needle: Which One Should You Buy?
Nectar is a 4-layer foam mattress with memory foam on top that we think is the better choice if you sleep on your side or stomach or just prefer a softer memory foam feel. Tuft & Needle uses a simpler 2-layer design with an adaptive foam on top, which makes it the better choice if you prefer a firmer mattress or sleep on your back or stomach. T&N is also the best choice if you prefer a little bounce in your bed.
When it comes to price, after discounts Nectar is slightly less expensive than T&N.
Keep reading to learn more about these differences.
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I gave Nectar an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5.0.
BUY THE NECTAR IF:
- You prefer a softer, memory foam feel
- You sleep on your side or stomach
- You want to save the most $money$
I gave Tuft & Needle an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.
BUY THE TUFT & NEEDLE IF:
- You like a little more bounce in your mattress.
- You sleep primarily on your back.
How Do Nectar and Tuft & Needle Mattresses Compare?
Similarities
Both Nectar and Tuft and Needle are budget foam mattresses – in fact, they both cost a little less than the two most popular mattresses sold online today, Casper and Leesa.
The cheapest Nectar mattress costs $425 while Tuft & Needle starts at $325. No size costs more than $1,000 for either of these brands.
Both mattresses also use all-foam construction, though they differ quite a bit in a couple of important ways.
Both companies also offer financing options when you order a mattress. Nectar has an in-house lease-to-own financing policy while Tuft & Needle works with Affirm.
Both have similar shipping policies, too. And, of course, you get free returns with either company.
Key Differences
One of the most important differences is in how these two mattresses feel. Their sleeping experiences differ even though they are both rated as medium firm mattresses.
Nectar is a memory foam mattress and feels like one. It consists of 4 layers of foam, 3 of which are memory foam. This makes Nectar feels softer and plusher than Tuft and Needle.
Tuft & Needle uses their own proprietary foam which they call the T&N Adaptive foam. It has the best characteristics of both memory foam and latex foam. Tuft & Needle feels firmer because of the Adaptive Foam.
These two companies also have different return and warranty policies.
Tuft & Needle offers the standard 100-night trial and 10-year warranty, but Nectar gives their customers an entire year to test the mattress in their home and a lifetime warranty if they decide to keep it.
Price
| Size | Tuft & Needle | Nectar |
| Twin | $580.50 | $499 |
| Twin XL | $625.50 | $569 |
| Full | $715.50 | $699 |
| Queen | $805.50 | $799 |
| King | $985.50 | $1,199 |
| CA King | $985.50 | $1,199 |
Financing
Tuft & Needle offers Affirm financing while Nectar has a 6-month lease-to-own policy that doesn’t require a credit check.
Coupons
Click here to Shop Now & Get Free Accessories $499 on a Nectar mattress.
Specifications
| Mattress |  Nectar |  Tuft and Needle |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Price | $499-$1,199 |  -  on Amazon |
| Comfort Choices | Med. Firm | Med. Firm |
| Construction | Gel-infused memory foam | Latex-like polyfoam |
| Heat Transfer | Excellent | Good |
| Motion Transfer | Low | Medium |
| Sinkage | Moderate | Minimal |
| Off-Gassing? | Yes | Yes |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 10 years non-prorated |
| Eco-friendliness | CertiPUR-US foam | CertiPUR-US foam |
| Delivery | 3-5 days | 1-5 days |
| Customer Service | Good | Good |
Construction
Nectar Mattress Construction
Nectar is constructed of four layers of foam that add up to 11” in thickness. Here are the layers:
(1) Tencel fabric cover
(2) Quilted gel memory foam
The main comfort layer consists of soft quilted gel memory foam designed to add loft to the mattress. It makes the mattress feel almost as luxurious as pricier pillow top mattresses.
The gel is there to help with cooling. It dissipates excess heat away from your body, leaving the mattress feeling cool.
(3) Gel memory foam
This is the second comfort layer. It works in concert with the quilted layer to provide cooling and pressure relief.
When you lie on the mattress, the two layers contour around your body, ensuring there’s no pressure point.
The enhanced contouring from the two gel memory foam layers is especially beneficial for sleepers with back or joint pain.
(4) Adaptive Hi Core memory foam
On their own, the top two layers are too soft to provide adequate support. So Nectar added a firmer layer of memory foam underneath them to boost support.
The higher-density memory foam keeps you from bottoming out and feeling the hard base layer.
It also ensures the mattress lasts longer without sagging or developing permanent body impressions.
(5) High-density poly foam base
A standard base of extra-firm poly foam provides overall support and keeps the mattress in shape for years.
In addition to these four layers, the Nectar mattress comes with a Tencel cover.
Tencel is a cotton-like material that is loved for its cooling and moisture-wicking abilities. It also feels really soft and stretchy.
To know more, check out our in-depth nectar mattress review.
Tuft & Needle Mattress Construction
The 10” Tuft & Needle has a much simpler construction compared to Nectar. It has only two layers and two types of foam.
3” T & N Adaptive Foam:
Rather than use latex foam or memory foam, Tuft & Needle created their own unique foam called the T & N Adaptive Foam.
It offers more support and better cooling than memory foam and lasts longer than latex foam.
To enhance cooling, the T & N Adaptive Foam layer is infused with cooling gel and graphite.
7” poly foam base
Tuft & Needle has a thicker than usual base. Most mattresses have a base layer of between 4 and 6 inches in thickness.
But considering this mattress has only two layers, it’s understandable that they opted for a thicker base.
It provides more support to ensure you don’t bottom out and ensures the mattress lasts for at least a decade without depressions or sagging.
As for the cover it’s made from a blend of polyester and a material called micro polyamide which is used in clothes as an alternative to cotton.
Micro polyamide is more breathable and wicks more moisture than cotton.
The cover is soft, breathable and tear-resistant.
Comfort and Firmness
Both Tuft & Needle and Nectar offer only one comfort option which is medium firm.
Nectar
Because of the gel memory foams, especially the quilted layer on top, the Nectar mattress feels softer and plusher.
It’s still a medium firm mattress but falls more on the softer side, around 5-6/10 on a scale of increasing firmness.
It is the best option if you prefer sleeping on a softer mattress with a deeper hug or if you are a side sleeper.
It is also the best choice for those with back or joint problems because of the extra contouring and pressure relief.
Tuft & Needle
Tuft & Needle feel the firmness of a latex foam mattress. At first, it can feel uncomfortably firm and cause some soreness.
But by the second night, it softens enough that it feels comfortable.
But it still feels a bit firmer than Nectar, around 6.5-7/10.
Go for Tuft & Needle if you prefer a firmer but not too firm mattress. It’s the kind of mattress that doesn’t exactly feel plush but is still very comfortable.
It’s also the best choice if you have a heavier physique or you are a back/stomach sleeper.
Sleeping Experience
Nectar Mattress: Sleeping Experience
The Nectar has that signature memory foam feel.
It hugs you immediately you lie on it, and there is little response. You’ll sink a bit into the mattress before you encounter the Adaptive Hi Core memory foam layer underneath.
This layer holds you up and ensures your back is properly aligned. The base layer provides further support especially for heavier sleepers who sink in a bit lower.
Edge support is not as good as in the Tuft & Needle, but it is better compared to basic memory foam mattresses.
Cooling is excellent especially considering it is a memory foam mattress. The Tencel cover and the gel memory foam layers do a great job keeping away excess heat.
Motion control is virtually non-existent so couples can sleep comfortably through the night.
Tuft & Needle: Mattress: Sleeping Experience
As I mentioned, Tuft & Needle feels more like a latex foam mattress though it is not as bouncy.
It’s firmer than Nectar especially for the first couple of nights. Give it around two weeks to relax and soften, and you might like it.
Support is great, and contouring is good enough for most people.
However, if you have back problems or you prefer a softer mattress, I recommend the Nectar mattress instead.
There are no heating issues thanks to the soft, breathable cover and the graphite and gel-infused T & N Adaptive Foam.
The proprietary foam also helps with motion control, ensuring couples can sleep undisturbed through the night.
Tuft & Needle is more bouncy than Nectar though not as much as latex or an innerspring mattress. If you are looking for an affordable mattress that is good for sex, Tuft & Needle is the better choice.
Warranty and Returns
Nectar Warranty
Nectar gives customers a whole year to test the mattress. This is four times longer than what most online mattresses offer.
It’s a good thing because it allows you to test the mattress through different kinds of weather and situations. How it holds up at the end of one year also gives you a good idea of how durable it is.
If you don’t like what you see or feel, just call up customer support, and they will arrange a free pickup.
Returned mattresses are donated to charity.
If you decide to keep the mattress, you are covered against manufacturer and workmanship defects for as long as you own it.
It is a lifetime non-prorated warranty.
Tuft & Needle Warranty
Tuft & Needle has a more standard 100-night trial period. I think that’s still long enough to decide whether the mattress is right for you or not.
If you don’t like it, they will pick it up for free and donate it to charity.
If you decide to keep it the warranty runs for ten years. It is non-prorated.
Shipping and Delivery
Nectar Shipping and Delivery Options
Nectar offers free shipping but only to the continental US. Shipping to Alaska or Hawaii will cost extra.
You can opt for the standard curbside delivery or pay extra for White Glove delivery. You can also pay a fee to have your old mattress removed.
Tuft & Needle Shipping and Delivery Options
Tuft & Needle also offers free FedEx ground shipping but only in the continental US. An additional cost of $120-$190 applies when you order from Alaska or Hawaii.
T&N also have a special same-day delivery policy (in some locations) that costs $50 per mattress.
Tuft & Needle offers curbside delivery only.
Foundation and Frame
Nectar Mattress Foundation Requirements
Nectar works with any sturdy foundation or frame. You can use a box spring, slatted base or an adjustable base.
Tuft & Needle Mattress Foundation Requirements
The Tuft & Needle mattress can be used with your existing foundation as long as it offers sturdy support. It also works great with an adjustable base.
Care and Cleaning
Nectar Mattress Care and Cleaning
You should not wash the Nectar mattress. Only spot-clean it to remove stains.
A mattress protector is highly recommended but make sure it is breathable.
There is no need to rotate or flip the mattress.
Tuft & Needle Mattress Care and Cleaning
Do not try to remove and wash the Tuft & Needle cover as you could damage it. The only spot cleans it or uses a mattress protector to prevent stains.
There is no need to rotate or flip the mattress.
Where To Get The Best Deal
The best deals are found on both mattresses' main websites.
Be careful buying these mattresses from a retail outlet or from a third party website like Walmart or Amazon, because you may not get the best price and the retailer's warranty may differ greatly.
More Nectar Mattress Comparisons:
| My Top Pick | Type of Mattress | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Saatva Classic | Innerspring | $887 - $2,075 Save Upto $450 Now |
| 2. Puffy LUX | Luxury Foam | $1,145 – $1,695 Save $300 + Free Accessories Upto $433 |
| 3. Leesa Original | Budget Foam | $722-$1189 "Save 15% Now" |
| 4. Sparrow Signature Hybrid | Luxury Hybrid | $854.10 - $1799.10 10% Sale |
| 5. PlushBeds Botanical Bliss | Luxury Organic Latex | $1,149- $2,148 save $1,250 On Bedroom Mattresses + Free Luxury Sheet Set. |
| 6. Ecoterra | Budget Latex | $849 - $1,349 Save $150 Usecode: SAVE150 |
| 7. Dreamcloud | Luxury PillowTop | $599-$1,099 Save $200 + $399 Free Accessories(Sheet, Protector, Pillows) |
| 8. Layla | Flippable/2-Sided | $499 - $1,099 Save $200 Now |
| 9. Big Fig | For Plus-Sized People | $1,499 - $2,099 Save $200 With Code: HOME |
| 10. Helix | Custom-Fit | $500 - $1,149 Save $200! |
| Topper | Size | Material | Firmness | Warr. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LINENSPA | Best Value | 2" | Gel memory foam | Medium | 3 years |
MOLECULE AIRTEC | Best Comfort | 3" | Memory foam | Medium-firm | 5 years |
MyPillow | Best pressure point relief | 3" | Foam | Medium-firm | 10 years |
LUCID | Best cooling | 2" | Gel memory foam | Soft | 3 years |
Pure Green | Best for stomach sleepers | 2" | Natural latex | Extra-firm | 5 years |
Sleep Innovations | Best for side sleepers | 4" | Gel memory foam | Soft | 10 years |
Sleep Number DUAL TEMP | Best temperature regulation | - | Forced Air | - | 1 year |
TEMPUR ProForm | Best memory foam | 3" | Memory foam | Medium-firm | 10 years |
Avocado Green | Best organic | 2" | Organic latex | Soft/firm | 10 years |
Latex Mattress Factory | Best for heavy sleepers | 3” | Natural Dunlop latex | Medium | Not specified |
Lucid zoned gel memory foam topper | Best for back pain | 2” (3” option available) | Zoned gel memory foam | Medium soft | 3 years |
AmazonBasics down alternative topper | Best for softening a firm mattress | Variable | Down alternative (polyester fiber) | Soft | Not specified |
| System | Type | Best For... | Temp. Range | Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BedJet V3 | Air cooled | BEST OVERALL (esp. for night sweats) | 66°F-104°F | Wireless remote control/smartphone app |
ChiliPad Cube 3.0 | Water cooled | Best water cooling system | 55°F-115°F | Wireless remote control |
Ooler Sleep System | Water cooled | Best temperature control | 55°F-115°F | Smartphone app via Bluetooth |
The Pod by Eight Sleep | Water cooled | Best smart cooling system | 55°F-115°F | Smartphone app/smart voice assistant |
Mattress Cooler "Classic" | Water cooled | Best budget cooling system | N/A | Wireless remote control |
SleepNumber Dual-Temp v3 | Air cooled | N/A | Remote control | |
bFan Cooling System | Fan | Best bed fan | N/A | Wired remote control |
| Pillow | Why I Like It |
|---|---|
PlushBeds Shredded Natural Latex Pillow | best shredded latex pillow for side sleepers |
Coop Home Goods Memory Foam | perennial, proven Amazon Choice with over 16,000 reviews |
MARNUR Contour Pillow | perfect spine support using a groove down the middle |
SleepRightSplintek Side | full facial cradle plus a perfectly-angled shoulder cradle |
Xtreme Comforts Adjustable Pillow | thinner and softer than most, so your head will not bend back |
UTTU Sandwich Pillow | designed specifically for neck support and alignment. |
Mediflow Water Pillow | clinical tests prove it reduces neck pain |
Cradle Me Cervical Pillow | best overall design with lots of position choices |
KaUa Neck Roll | 1,000s of satisfied customers & rave reviews |
J-Pillow Travel Pillow | added chin support prevents your head from falling forward. |
EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow | Designed to support and cushion you neck and shoulders |
J-Pillow Travel Pillow | An all-natural, organic and vegan pillow with an adjustable loft to suit all sleeping positions |
| Best Luxury Sheets | Includes | Sizes | Colours |
|---|---|---|---|
Parachute | Fitted sheet + two pillowcases | Twin to Cal King | Sand, Slate, White, Light Grey, Blue |
Brooklinen | One flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. | Twin to Cal King | White, Cream, Steel, Smoke, Smoke Stripe |
Saatva | One flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. | Twin to Cal King | White, Ivory, Grey |
Boll and Branch | one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases. | Full, Queen, King, Cal King only | White, Solid Natural, Striped White, Pewter |
Learn More
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